I am 36 years old am married with three small children and suffer from debilitating fibromyalgia. I have had this condition since I was fourteen. I have been on opioids for the better part of 15 years and have visited countless pain clinics and doctors during that time with very minimal results in improving my quality of life. My doctor very recently prescribed a limited amount of a higher dose opioid for emergency pain situations as my tolerance to my daily regimen of Lortab has increased, dulling its effectiveness.

In addition to taking these opioids I take between 400 and 800 mgs of ibuprofen per day as well as the neuroinhibitor Gabapentin.

Despite these measures I am in a constant state of pain. It varies in intensity from irritating to downright agonizing. Many nights I have lain awake, tears streaming down my face due to the overwhelming pain I experience throughout my entire body.

I earned a degree from the University of Utah in child and family studies and worked as a Child Protective Services investigator for five years. As of now, I am no longer able to work. Despite my best efforts, my body crashed in March of 2013 and now I spend the majority of my time bedridden. When I am able to go places or do things it is always due to the assistance of opioids.

I have watched the past few years as medical marijuana legislation has made its way through the Utah legislature and have been disappointed by the rejection of it.

I have never partaken in any illegal drugs, including marijuana. At this point in my life, I would very much like to be allowed the freedom to try treating my debilitating illness with marijuana as I have exhausted my other options. From here there is only the INCREASE in opioids to stronger forms or forms such as patches. I do not wish to do this. I would much rather try a course of pain management that is natural and has been shown to be non-addictive. There are oils that are low in THC and high in medicinal properties that I believe could have a great impact on my quality of life which would in turn benefit my wife and children as well.

I would be happy to discuss my situation with you or help in any way I am able if you think it would be helpful in your decision regarding this legislation.